Your story

So long as you conform to the diktats of the establishment, you have little to fear. But try stepping on the fat toes of the Kothar and you wouldn't know what hit you. The Bohras who have fallen foul of the priesthood know that its ire and cruelty know no bounds. And there are many Bohras out there who have a story to tell... of humiliation and harassment.

If you have a story to tell, why don't you share it with others? Tell us about it. This is your page for your story.

How can we stop Kothar’s juggernaut?
I was born in 1939 in a Dawoodi Bohra family. Having been brought up in a traditional Bohra household and later having migrated to North America I ensured that my children were raised in the same tradition. I taught them to read, write and recite Arabic, how to perform wudhu and offer prayers, explained Islam and its sects down to what we are as Dawoodi Bohras. more
Walking out of the Bohra falsehood
I was born in India in a small village more than 40 years ago into a Bohra family. I came with my family to Malaysia when I was only 4 years old. I grew up like any normal Bohra surrounded by the richness of the Bohra culture and rituals. My religion was primarily restricted to namaz and learning to read the Qur’an. more
Lust for community's property
Performance of religious marriages in East African countries was denied to a number of reformers. About a dozen persons were involved and inspite of repeated representations and requests, the priestly class did not budge an inch from their position. more
Beat them up, spit on them
Various methods are used to harass and persecute the socially boycotted persons. One of the most commonly used is attack on residence, shops or other work establishments, physical attack on persons concerned as also the close members of their families if they have not broken away from them. Beating and spitting are two such methods. more
A Valentine's Day true story: Love conqures all
I had just returned to Africa after completing my studies in England. My mother had invited her friends' family (including her 22-year-old daughter) for lunch. The occasion was to entertain my mother's friend's mother visiting from Pakistan. more
Atrocities of Kothar
One Shri Yahyaali, who is an Advocate practising at Udaipur, gave a statement and also appeared before us. He stated that he is interested in the Bohra reform movement for many years. He had supported the reformist candidates of Bohra Youth in 1970 elections of the Municipality in Udaipur. more
Sister's plight, brother's burial
One Memunabai, daughter of Rajabali Bagpurwala, residing at Udaipur appeared as a witness before the Commission and the substance of what she said is reproduced below: more
Is election contrary to religion?
In February 1973 Sayedna sent his son Qaid Jauhar to Udaipur. He met a number of members of the community. He said that he was dissolving Anjumane Najmi in order to form a new committee. more
Tales of harassment
The questionnaire issued by the Nathwani Commission contains questions regarding the position of civil liberties and human rights enjoyed by members of the Dawoodi bohra community vis-a-vis the Sayedna saheb. more
A wedding ordeal
I was born and brought up in a high-profile reformist Bohra family in Udaipur. My grandfather was one of the pioneers in the Bohra reform movement. Fortunately, in my life so far I've never had any encounter with the Kothar or an occasion to visit Delan (local amil’s residence). more
Victim of Sayedna's diktat
As kids we were subjected to some sort of confusion at home... there was my Mom telling us to do sajdah and kiss the feet of the Sayedna whenever he was in town and on the other hand, my Dad scoffed at even the thought and reprimanded us for having done so. We wondered why the disparity in thoughts when all we could see around us was an insane sort of worshiping for the High Priest. more